After the death of Lieutenant Samson Haruna, a Nigerian Army officer allegedly set ablaze by his wife during a domestic dispute in Akwa Ibom, another disturbing comment appeared online: “I sure do believe that he was abusing her, because a woman would never do this unless you push her to do so.” This statement assumes guilt without evidence and attempts to justify the woman’s violent act. Such assumptions are dangerous — they promote bias and excuse brutality based on speculation. No one deserves to be burned alive, regardless of the situation. Violence should never be rationalized or defended under any circumstance.
